Rolling into New Rules: Say Goodbye to Foreign Licence Conversion in Malaysia 🚗📄🛑

Ezlyna
5 days ago
2 min read

As of May 19, 2025, Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) will officially cease accepting applications to convert foreign driving licences to Malaysian ones. This marks a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing road safety and ensuring that all drivers, regardless of origin, meet local competency standards.

Why the Change?

Previously, expats from certain countries could convert their home country driving licences without taking local tests. This convenience, however, will soon come to an end. Going forward, all expats must follow the same process as Malaysian citizens to obtain a licence, including:

Attending driving school
Passing a theory test
Completing a practical driving test

This move is part of broader efforts by JPJ to standardise road safety enforcement and ensure all drivers are properly trained in Malaysia’s driving laws.

Who Is Exempt?

This new ruling does not apply to:

Diplomatic personnel
Participants of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme
Malaysians who obtained a foreign licence before getting their Malaysian one

These groups may continue applying for licence conversions under the previous rules.

Can You Still Drive in Malaysia?

If you’re staying short-term (less than 12 months), you may be able to drive with:

An International Driving Permit (IDP) from a Geneva or Vienna Convention member country
A valid ASEAN licence, if you're from an ASEAN country, under the 1985 regional agreement

What Should Expats Do Now?

If you're living in Malaysia long-term and not exempt under the new rule, you’ll need to:

Enroll in a certified driving school
Take the required theory test
Pass a practical driving test

Once you pass, you’ll receive a Malaysian driving licence.

We know policy changes like this can feel overwhelming. Malaysian Link is here to support you every step of the way:

Help finding certified driving schools
Guidance through the testing process
Assistance with required paperwork

Whether you’re just getting behind the wheel or navigating life as an expat in Malaysia, we’ve got your back.

Stay informed and drive safely in Malaysia.